Allegri instructs and Milan obey

Massimiliano Allegri believes his AC Milan side had to beat Bologna in order to bounce back from their surprise defeat at the hands of Ajax.

The Serie A leaders went down 2-0 at home to Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday, their first defeat in eight games in all competitions.

Despite the result having no bearing on the outcome of Group G, Allegri demanded an instant reaction from his players and they produced exactly that, winning 3-0 at Bologna 3-0 on Sunday.

“We started in the best possible way and brought a lot of intensity to the match,” Alllegri said.

“The defeat to Ajax was actually good for us, because even if it didn’t count for anything, it could still affect our mentality. Instead, the team reacted straight away.”

“Now bring on Roma and a very difficult game to finish off 2010 on a positive note.”

Allegri singled out the contribution of veteran Andrea Pirlo – playing in a more advanced role than usual – for special praise.

“At the moment Andrea gives us a higher quality being twenty yards further on, while (Massimo) Ambrosini in front of the defence provides more protection,” he said.

“He (Pirlo) did very well, taking confidence in this new and old role that he has already covered when he was younger. I am happy with what he did and also the whole team.”

According to Bologna coach Alberto Malesani, Milan’s Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic played a key role in orchestrating the hosts’ demise at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

“The first goal was thanks to an incredible Zlatan Ibrahimovic assist,” Malesani said.

“Ibra also sparked the second, while he scored the third. It has to be said, the Swede made the difference on the field today.”

“A three-goal gap is too much, but we must also admit that Milan are the strongest side we have faced up until now.”